Soil-Vegetation Systems

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture | 2 hrs Lab) A review of edaphology, the study of soils from the point of view of their plant cover, is followed by an examination of soils as nutrient delivery systems to both natural cover and agroecosystems. Emphasis is placed on macro- and micronutrient supply, the use of fertilizers and organic residues, the role of organic farming, and water supply, drainage and erosion. This is followed by a discussion of the basic ecological/physiological requirements of plants important in understanding vegetation formations and ecoclimatic regions. The course concludes with a major discussion of Canada's ecoclimatic regions and the relationships between their vegetation covers, soil types and climates. Laboratory work includes the determination of certain soil nutrient contents, and the role of soil organic matter, plant residues and plant cover in limiting erosion, and the ecoclimatic aspects of vegetation formation distribution. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and GEOG-2203. Requisite Courses: GEOG-2213 [prerequisite(s)]; GEOG-2214L (lab) (must be taken concurrently).